Greetings from New Zealand. Yours is the best, and easiest Website for guys like me to search for Ancestors. Nice one ! The only thing I find is missing, is a Record of my late Grandfather Edgar Graham, who in 1939 was 2nd Engineer Officer of HMS"Cutty Sark", and was her Chief Engineer in 1940/41. I have a photo of him in Uniform, and although an old Back and White Picture, and a bit "grainy" , it is 100% clear, that he is in the Uniform of a Lieutenant Commander (E)RNR. His Cap Badge is also clearly RN/RNR/RNVR. I have his WW2 Service Record from " Navy Search" , the Company contracted to the Royal navy to maintain Records of men and women who were in Naval Service. NOWHERE can anyone, it seems discover ANY RECORD whatever, that my Grandfather was in fact a Lt.Commander.
"Navy Search", in their initial Report back to me said he was " An RNR Officer", but in a later letter, their Manager says that may not have been correct ! So that I can accurately write Edgar's Biography, for my 4# Grandchildren, I really need to have proof of his naval Rank. "Navy Search " have now suggested , that as he is listed in 1940/41 as " Chief Engineer" , then he MUST have been Merchant Marine , as that phrase appears on some of their paperwork. HOWEVER, MM Chief Engineers, do not wear RNR Officers' uniform, unless Commissioned at a specified Rank. A possibly source of confusion here, might be the fact, that Edgar started as 3rd Engineer on the same ship , in 1934, well before " Cutty Sark" was Commissioned and armed as a Submarine Patrol Vessel, and re-named HMS"Cutty Sark".....I would be extremelt grateful , idf anyone could provide me wuth " Steerage" (!) in my quest to get Edgar's WW2 Rank confirmed. Cheers , Bruce Graham